Free The Way You Die Tonight by Robert Randisi Page B

’em.’
    Danny studied the manager. Even if Hannigan had it in for Helen, he couldn’t see the man going to the Sands unnoticed and killing her there. In fact, Mrs Orchid was probably right about that. For Helen to have been killed the way she was, where she was, it must have been somebody on the inside.
    Jack Entratter wasn’t going to be happy to hear that …
    In fact, I wasn’t happy to hear it, either.
    â€˜So that was it,’ Danny said. ‘I left him to his TV dinner.’
    â€˜And that’s why you felt you had to come right over?’ I asked. ‘To tell me you think it was an inside job?’
    â€˜The more I thought about it, the more it made sense,’ Danny said. ‘Somebody on the outside would wait until she left the building. Why take a chance on trying to get in, maybe somebody seeing them where they didn’t belong?’
    â€˜But somebody who already belonged wouldn’t have to worry about that.’
    â€˜No,’ Danny said, ‘they’d just have to worry about getting her alone – like in the ladies’ room.’
    â€˜Makes sense. Will you come by tomorrow and snoop around?’
    â€˜On the payroll, right?’
    â€˜Right.’
    â€˜Hey,’ Danny said, ‘before I go, you never told me about your meeting with Hughes. How was he?’
    â€˜Naked.’
    â€˜For real?’
    â€˜Well, he had a tissue across his crotch, but yeah, pretty much.’
    â€˜So he’s as crazy as they say?’
    â€˜Actually, I don’t think so,’ I said. ‘He’s got this disease that makes it hurt whenever anything touches his bare skin.’
    â€˜Anything?’
    I nodded.
    â€˜Guess I’d sit around naked, too, if I had that,’ Danny said.
    â€˜That’s what I was thinkin’.’
    â€˜What about the floor?’
    â€˜What about it?’
    â€˜How’s he walk in his bare feet?’
    â€˜I don’t know,’ I said. ‘I was wondering how he even sat down.’
    â€˜I suppose he’s got to,’ Danny said.
    â€˜Yeah.’
    â€˜So what did he want?’
    â€˜He says he’s looking to buy a casino.’
    â€˜And what’s he want with you?’
    â€˜He says he’s heard about me, wants my help in finding a place to buy.’
    â€˜You think he’s after the Sands?’
    â€˜I don’t know.’
    â€˜What did you tell him?’
    â€˜I said I’d think about it.’
    â€˜He offer you a lot of money?’
    â€˜Some.’
    â€˜He didn’t find your price though, did he?’
    â€˜I’ve got to get to dinner, Danny,’ I said. ‘See you at the Sands tomorrow?’
    â€˜I’ll be there, Eddie.’
    â€˜Let me get my jacket and I’ll walk you out.’
    I walked Danny to his car and watched him drive off. Then I got in the Caddy and drove to the Sands.

TWENTY-TWO
    â€˜C ome on in,’ Frank said. ‘I’m almost ready.’
    I stepped in and closed the door.
    â€˜I have to get my jacket, and my wallet,’ Frank said. ‘I’ll be a second.’
    He went into the bedroom, reappeared just seconds later, one hand in his pocket; I assumed tucking his wallet away. He put one arm into his jacket and said, ‘OK, let’s go.’
    â€˜How are you, Frank?’
    â€˜I’m good, kid.’ He finished putting on his jacket, then slapped me on the arm, ‘I’m good. Let’s go show Eddie a good time, huh?’
    We took the elevator to Robinson’s floor and knocked on his door. When he answered and saw Frank, his face became infused with genuine pleasure.
    â€˜Frank!’ He grabbed him and they hugged each other. ‘Good to see you.’ He slapped Frank on the back.
    â€˜Hey, Eddie,’ Frank said. ‘Ready for a good dinner?’
    â€˜I’m ready.’ Robinson was already wearing his suit, so he just stepped into the hall and